Tobacco and asthma: presenting the world health organization (WHO) tobacco knowledge summary

The WHO recently published a Tobacco Knowledge Summary (TKS) which is prepared with the objective to summarize the current evidence on the association between tobacco use and asthma. This is also intended as an advocacy tool to widely include health care professionals in the fight for tobacco control and prevention of tobacco related adverse health effects. This article expands on the evidence outlined in the TKS, providing a more comprehensive and clinically focused analysis, aimed at lung-specialist audience. It emphasizes six key messages aimed at guiding healthcare providers and governments in advocating for the health of people living with asthma and the broader population: (1) Babies born to mothers who smoke have smaller lungs and an increased risk of developing asthma during childhood. Pregnant women should receive targeted support to quit tobacco use. (2) Children exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke have an increased risk of developing asthma. (3) Smoking during adolescence and adulthood increases the risk of developing asthma and exacerbates the condition, as well as causing other lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. (4) For people living with asthma, smoking worsens symptoms and can make treatment with medications less effective. All smokers with asthma should be supported to quit smoking. (5) E-cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other nicotine-delivery devices likely also carry risks. Governments should implement effective tobacco control measures to protect all individuals, including those who are vulnerable. (6) The tobacco and nicotine industries' aggressive tactics in the marketing of their products specifically target children, adolescents and young adults. Protecting youth from these harmful tactics is a top priority.